Since the creation of Taylor Lake in 1905, the peaceful pond at the foot of campus has made its way into Colgate lore. It’s now the centerpiece of an annual fund challenge: five Colgate administrators will swim Taylor Lake if 1,300 recent grads (2003–2012) make a gift to the annual fund before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
Dean of Admission Gary Ross ’77, Dean of First-Year Students Bev Low, Vice President for Advancement Murray Decock ’80, Athletic Director Vicky Chun ’91, and Alumni Director and Associate Vice President Tim Mansfield are all going overboard to demonstrate their love for the university.
It began as a simple dip to encourage generosity. But shortly after the news hit Colgate’s Facebook page, the situation took a competitive turn. “Vicky, you are a tremendous colleague, great athlete, and committed administrator,” posted Decock. “But if our young graduates are going to support Colgate by June 30, then this Canada goose is going to win!”
The annual fund will release challenge results the first week of July, and if enough gifts come in, the plunge will take place later that month — exact date to be determined. In the meanwhile, community members can learn more about the competition at colgate.edu/taketheplunge and follow the war of words at facebook.com/colgateuniversity.